LOS ANGELES—The Ratkovich Co., along with National Real Estate Advisors, has signed its first slate of tenants at the Bloc, a retail development currently under construction in Downtown Los Angeles. The tenant slate includes Macy's, Alamo Draft House Cinema, WingTip and an unnamed retail gallery collaboration between CNTRLgroup and Otto Design Group.

“We are obviously delighted to be announcing our new retail tenants who we also consider to be our partners in the massive changes that we are making at the Bloc,” Wayne Ratkovich, president and CEO of the Ratkovich Co., tells GlobeSt.com. “The upgrades that Macy's will be making excite us and I am sure thousands of its customers as well. Alamo Draft House Cinema [which signed its lease earlier this year], Wingtip and the CNTRLgroup/Otto Design store send a strong signal that we are succeeding in our quest to create a truly unique environment at the Bloc. These tenants are indicative of what Angelenos can expect from the Bloc.”

The 250,000-square-foot Macy's store is undergoing a massive renovation to reopen with a new, more modern look and new departments, including a furniture, housewares and textile department. Although Macy's is staying open through the construction process, the renovations will be completed in time for the Bloc's grand opening in October 2015. “Macy's is getting a massive upgrade to become one of only a few flagship stores nationwide,” says Ratkovich. “That's a huge step forward for the Bloc, for downtown and for the city.”

The other stores are currently under construction and will also be ready in time for the 2015 grand opening. This group of tenants, though, is only the first group of tenants to join the retail development. The Ratkovich Co. is fielding interest from a wealth of retailers interested in occupying space in the center. “We are working with dozens of brands at the moment and are very selective about who we bring to the Bloc. What we're trying to build is an experience—something special and unique that you can't get anywhere else,” says Ratkovich. “Angelenos and visitors will come here to celebrate life in the city and to share the experience with friends and family. This is just our first slate of tenants and there'll be many more to follow. We are confident that we will be fully leased and we will open with as many tenants as we can move in by the opening.”